Communication system for vehicle

ABSTRACT

A system for communicating information includes a transceiver provided within a vehicle that is configured for wireless communication with a cellular phone and with a portable computing device. The wireless communication between the transceiver and the cellular phone utilizes a Bluetooth communications protocol.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/127,982, filed Apr. 23, 2002, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/979,199, filed Nov. 20, 2001, which was theNational Stage of International Application No. PCT/US00/14692, filedMay 26, 2000, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 60/135,979, filed May 26, 1999.

FIELD

The present invention relates to communication of information betweenelectronic devices. More specifically, the present invention relates tothe transmission of information between a cellular phone, a transceiver,and a computing device utilizing a Bluetooth communications protocol.

BACKGROUND

With the increasing popularity of various personal electronicinformation and computing devices, there has been an increasing need toconveniently integrate the operation, and more specifically the transferof information, between one or more of such devices. These electronicdevices may include notebook computers, desktop computers, hand-heldcomputing/organizer devices often termed “personal digital assistants”(“PDAs”), cellular phones, pagers, audio systems, display devices,cordless headsets, digital cameras and virtually any other electronic orelectromechanical device that uses electronic information for itsoperation.

In many environments, such as within an automobile, it would bedesirable to be able to communicate voice and/or data in wirelessfashion between various subsystems of the vehicle, such as an overheaddisplay subsystem of the vehicle, a cellular phone, notebook computer,PDA, pager or other personal electronic device which is carried on theperson of an individual. The ability to transfer information betweenvarious subsystems of the vehicle and the user's personal electronicdevices, in wireless fashion, would increase the ease and convenience ofuse of such personal devices when travelling in the vehicle.

Until the present, transferring information between one or more of thesedevices has most often required that cabling be connected between thedevices. Usually the cabling is “application specific”, meaning that thecabling used to connect, for example, a notebook computer and ahand-held PDA, is specifically designed for only these two components.Thus, the same communications cabling needed for connecting two specificelectronic components often can only be used to connect those twocomponents, and not to connect different combinations of otherelectronic components. Thus, interconnecting different combinations ofelectronic devices for intercommunication is often possible only withspecific and often expensive cabling.

Communication between more than two electronic devices at one time viacabling presents even greater difficulty. Usually some form of hub or“T” connector, together with a mechanical switch and a suitableplurality of external cables is needed. Thus, the user often has verylimited flexibility in linking more than two electronic devices togetherfor communication.

In certain environments, such as within an automobile, it is oftenimpractical for the user to manually connect and disconnect cablingbetween two or more electronic devices, especially when the electronicdevices are portable devices which the user desires to carry whenleaving the vehicle. Additionally, it would be impractical to attempt toconnect such personal electronic devices to existing subsystems of avehicle, such as an overhead display console, with physical cables thatwould be loose within the vehicle. Such cabling could easily interferewith the driver's convenient operation of the various controls of thevehicle or with the comfort and convenience of other passengers in thevehicle.

In some instances wireless communications, such as by infrared or radiofrequency (RF) signals, have been used to permit communications andinformation sharing between two electronic devices. However, previouslydeveloped implementations of these methods of information transfer havesuffered from significant drawbacks. For example, infrared datatransmission requires a “line of sight” between the communicatingsensors of the two devices. Such a line of sight is often not practicaland/or difficult to maintain in certain operating environments, such aswhile travelling in an automobile. This also constrains the use ofportable electronic devices to positions where the sensor on theportable device is in the line of sight of the other device with whichthe portable device is communicating.

Radio frequency data communication has traditionally been hampered bythe lack of a standard communications protocol for data transfer whichpermits data to be transmitted between two or more independentelectronic devices. A further limitation with RF data transfer systemshas been the lack of a low cost, low power RF transceiver able to beinexpensively integrated with compact, portable electronic devices suchas notebook computers, cellular telephones, hand-held PDAs, pagers,etc., to enable convenient RF information transfer between two or moreof such devices over short distances of up to, for example, about tenmeters.

Still another limitation with traditional methods for transmitting databetween electronic devices has been the lack of an “automatic” or“unconscious” connection when the devices are in proximity with oneanother. By “automatic” or “unconscious” it is meant an immediatecommunications link which is established between two or more electronicdevices as soon as the devices are within a certain range, for example,ten meters, of each other without any command being input to any of thedevices by the user. This limitation has up until the present requiredthe user to provide one or more commands to at least one of theelectronic devices to begin the process of transferring data between thetwo devices.

In view of the foregoing, it would therefore be desirable to provide awireless communications system adapted for use in automotiveapplications to permit the wireless exchange of voice and/or databetween various portable electronic devices and various electronicsubsystems of a motor vehicle. Such a system would preferably include afirst electronic component which could be readily integrated with a widevariety of electronic devices such as notebook computers, pagers, PDAs,cellular phones, etc., and a second component which could easily beintegrated with various electronic subsystems of a motor vehicle such asan audio system, microphone, in-dash or overhead display system,on-board navigation system, etc. The first and second components wouldalso preferably be extremely compact, lightweight, have low powerrequirements, and would therefore be very easily integrated into thevarious portable electronic devices described above, as well as into thevarious electronic subsystems of the vehicle. The components wouldpreferably be able to automatically establish a wireless communicationslink as soon as the electronic device incorporating the first componentcomes into proximity with the vehicle, where the vehicle incorporatesthe second component. Such a system may obviate the need for anyexternal cables to be attached between the electronic device(s) and thesubsystem(s) of the vehicle.

Another example of an application where such a system would be highlyuseful is in the manufacturing of an automobile. If pertinentinformation concerning one or more of the vehicle's components orelectronic subsystems could be quickly and automatically accessed andtransmitted, via a high speed wireless communications link, to anelectronic diagnostic/verification test system stationed along side anassembly line on which the vehicle is moving, then real timeverification tests could be performed on the various electronicsubsystems of the vehicle as it being manufactured. Such automaticallycreated wireless communications links would significantly enhance a widerange of other applications.

Yet another example of an application where such a system would beuseful is in servicing a vehicle. For example, a high speed wirelesscommunications link could be established between a vehicle and anelectronic device located in a service area (e.g., at an autodealership, a service station, etc.), such that information relating tothe operational status of any of a variety of electronic substations ofthe vehicle would be automatically transmitted to the electronic device.The information could be transmitted upon arrival of the vehicle withinthe service area and could also be transmitted while other operationsare being performed on a vehicle (e.g., oil change, etc.). Transmissionof vehicle diagnostic information using a wireless communications linkmay reduce the amount of time necessary to diagnose problems with avehicle and increase the efficiency of providing service for a vehicle.

It would also be desirable to provide a system that allows forcommunication of information received by a cellular phone to a computingdevice using a transceiver provided within a vehicle. It would furtherbe desirable to provide a system that establishes an automatic orunconscious communications link between a cellular phone and atransceiver or other device provided within a vehicle. It would furtherbe desirable to provide a system that allows for the communication offacsimile transmissions and electronic mail messages to a computingdevice from a cellular phone.

Furthermore, it would be desirable if such a wireless communicationssystem could be provided which does not add appreciably to the overallcosts of such portable electronic devices or to the costs of variouselectronic subsystems of the vehicle. Preferably, the system wouldprovide a manner of transmission that also ensures very secure wirelesstransmissions to limit the possibility of the devices being susceptibleto electronic “eavesdropping” or the data being intercepted by other RFdevices operating in the same frequency spectrum.

SUMMARY

In one preferred embodiment, a Bluetooth communications standard isutilized for establishing a wireless communications link between twodevices, where each device is equipped with a RF transceiver operatingin accordance with the Bluetooth communications standard. This enablestwo or more devices to be connected via high speed, wirelesscommunications links to permit voice and/or data information to beexchanged between the various devices. The devices communicate on the2.4 GHz ISM frequency band and employ encryption and authenticationschemes, in addition to frequency hopping, to provide a high measure ofsecurity to the transmission of data between the devices.Advantageously, the wireless communications link is createdautomatically as soon as the two devices come into proximity with eachother.

In various preferred and exemplary embodiments, the RF transceivers eachcomprise low power components providing a limited range of up to about100 meters. Each RF transceiver has a negligible power consumption, ascompared with the device with which it is integrated. Each RFtransceiver can automatically form ad hoc communications links withother RF transceivers passing within the predetermined transmissionrange.

The various preferred and exemplary embodiments enable voice and/or datainformation to be transmitted between a wide variety of devices withoutany command or intervention by the user. The preferred embodiments lendthemselves especially well to applications involving the transfer ofinformation between various portable electronic devices and the variouselectronic subsystems of a motor vehicle. The preferred embodimentsfurther enable the transfer of information between a motor vehicle andother electronic systems outside of the vehicle, which makes theseembodiments ideally suited to applications involving assembly of thevehicle, assisting in transmitting diagnostic information to and from avehicle, and a wide variety of other applications where it is desirableto transmit information to a user traveling in a motor vehicle.

The various preferred embodiments are also ideally suited toestablishing wireless communications links for a wide variety of otherhome, business, and commercial applications. A wide variety ofelectronic devices can thus be networked together for informationsharing.

A more specific exemplary embodiment relates to a system communicatinginformation. The system includes a transceiver provided within a vehicleand configured for wireless communication with a cellular phone and witha portable computing device. The wireless communication between thetransceiver and the cellular phone utilizes a Bluetooth communicationsprotocol.

Another exemplary embodiment relates to a wireless communications systemfor use in a vehicle. The communications system includes a transceiverprovided within a vehicle. The communication system also includes acellular phone in wireless communication with the transceiver, thewireless communication utilizing a Bluetooth communications protocol.The communications system further includes a computing device inwireless communication with the transceiver. Information received by thecellular phone is communicated to the transceiver and at least a portionof the information is communicated from the transceiver to the computingdevice.

A further exemplary embodiment relates to a communications system for avehicle. The communications system includes means for receiving signalstransmitted by a cellular phone, the signals being transmitted inaccordance with a Bluetooth communications standard and includinginformation. The communications system also includes means fortransmitting signals wirelessly to a computing device. The signalstransmitted to the computing device include at least a portion of theinformation, and at least one of the means for receiving signals and themeans for transmitting signals are provided within a vehicle.

A further exemplary embodiment relates to a method of transferringinformation to a computing device. The method includes receivinginformation at a transceiver provided in a vehicle. The information istransmitted from a cellular phone using a Bluetooth communicationsprotocol. The method also includes communicating at least a portion ofthe information from the transceiver to the computing device using awireless communications link.

The various preferred and exemplary embodiments are also ideally suitedto establishing wireless communications links for a wide variety ofother home, business, and commercial applications. A wide variety ofelectronic devices can thus be networked together for informationsharing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various advantages of the present inventions will become apparent toone skilled in the art by reading the following specification and byreferencing the following drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram drawing of a wireless communications system inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment being used to transferinformation between an electronic device of the user and an audio systemand a display system of a motor vehicle;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a wireless communications systembeing used to perform vehicle diagnostics on a motor vehicle by creatinga wireless communications link between a notebook computer runningdiagnostics software and a vehicle interface circuit associated with amotor vehicle;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a wireless communications system being usedin an assembly operation in which information is transmitted from RFtransceivers located in each vehicle to an assembly line monitoringsystem such that information needed for the manufacture of each vehiclecan be requested in advance and thereafter made ready as needed duringassembly of the vehicle;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a wireless communications system being usedto create a high speed data link between a drive-through restaurant menuand the various electronic subsystems of the motor vehicle to enableinformation from the drive-through menu to be broadcast and/or displayedby the vehicle's electronic subsystems;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a wireless communications system being usedin connection with a key fob to enable data to be transmitted from thekey fob to a vehicle bus interface of a motor vehicle to control varioussubsystems of the vehicle;

FIG. 5A is a block diagram of the major components of the key fob ofFIG. 5;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram drawing illustrating a wireless communicationslink created between a key fob carried by the user and a work PC toenable data files to be transmitted in wireless fashion between the PCand the key fob;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the key fob of FIGS. 5 and 5A being used totransmit files in wireless fashion from the key fob to a home PC;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment being used tocreate a wireless communications link between a cellular phone and aproprietary voice recording/playback system manufactured by the assigneeof the present application and presently used on motor vehicles;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a wireless communications system being usedto create a wireless data link between a home PC linked to the Internetand various electronic subsystems of a motor vehicle to thereby enableinformation from the Internet to be transmitted to the subsystems of thevehicle automatically;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a wireless communications system beingused to establish a wireless communications link between a cellularphone and various electronic subsystems of a motor vehicle after thecellular phone has linked with a wireless service organization;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a wireless communications system beingused to establish a wireless data link between a cellular phone of auser and one or more subsystems of a vehicle, where the cellular phoneis linked with a wireless service organization so that “push” servicesfrom an Internet service provider can be used to provide personalizedtraffic, weather or other information automatically from the Internet tothe user as the user travels in the vehicle;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of the wireless communications system beingused to create a wireless data link between a gas pump kiosk of aservice station and the subsystems of a vehicle, where the gas pump islinked to the Internet, such that information from the Internet can betransmitted in wireless fashion to one or more electronic subsystems ofthe vehicle while the vehicle is parked near the gas pump;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a wireless communications system beingused to create a wireless data link for downloading map directionsdownloaded onto a home PC off of the Internet directly to one or moreelectronic subsystems of the vehicle while the vehicle is in closeproximity to the home PC; and

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a wireless communications system beingused to transmit corporate information or messages from a wirelessservice organization to a fleet vehicle, where the information isprovided over the Internet from a corporate computer system, and suchthat the information can be provided via a wireless data link directlyto the various subsystems of a fleet vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The various preferred and exemplary embodiments disclosed herein aredirected broadly to a wireless communications system and method fortransmitting information between two or more electronic devices. In oneembodiment a transceiver provided within a vehicle is configured forwireless communication with a cellular phone and with a portablecomputing device. The wireless communication between the transceiver andthe cellular phone utilizes a Bluetooth communications protocol. Thewireless communications link is established automatically when thedevices come within a predetermined proximity to each other.

Referring to FIG. 1, a wireless communications system 10 in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment is illustrated. The various preferred andexemplary embodiments are broadly directed to a wireless communicationssystem 10 in which at least one pair of RF transceivers 10 a and 10 bare used to create a wireless communications link between at least twoindependent electronic devices. Each RF transceiver 10 a and 10 boperates in accordance with a suitable wireless communications protocolor standard to enable wireless communications between the transceivers10 a and 10 b. The specific protocol or standard used also preferablyenables the wireless communications link to be established automaticallywhen the two RF transceivers come into proximity with each other. Thespecific protocol or standard may be the Bluetooth communicationsstandard or the Shared Wireless Access Protocol-Cordless Access(SWAP-CA) specification, or any other suitable wireless communicationsspecification that enables voice and/or data information to betransmitted between the two RF transceivers 10 a and 10 b.

The Bluetooth communications standard was established for creating smallform factor, low-cost, short range RF links between mobile telephones,notebook computers, PDAs and other portable electronic devices. It isthe result of a joint effort between several major commercialorganizations to develop a RF communications standard for creatingsecure, wireless communications links between portable electronicdevices such as cellular phones, PDAs, computers and other electronicdevices. The Bluetooth communications standard is presently an “open”standard that enables short range, secure, RF transmission of voiceand/or data information between such portable electronic devices to thuseliminate the need for physical cables for interconnecting the devices.Its implementation is based on a high performance, but low cost,integrated RF transceiver chip set. The Bluetooth standard furtherprovides the potential for automatic and rapid “ad hoc” wirelessconnections when two or more devices equipped with RF transceiversoperating in accordance with the Bluetooth standard come into proximitywith each other.

The Bluetooth standard makes use of the free, universal 2.4 GHzIndustrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band and a frequency hoppingscheme using 1600 hops/second. Encryption and authentication are builtinto the Bluetooth standard along with an automatic “output poweradaption” feature that automatically reduces the output power of the RFtransceiver to only (and exactly) that amount of power which is neededto accomplish the data transmission.

The Bluetooth standard specifies a minimum RF receiver sensitivity of−70 dBm and the nominal output power is specified as 0 dBm (i.e., 1 mW),which eliminates the need for an off-chip power amplifier. With a 0 dBmtransmit power, the typical range for the RF transceiver is up to about10 meters. The range can be extended to about 100 meters by augmentingthe RF transceiver chip set with an external power amplifier to increasethe transmit power to a maximum of 20 dBm. The maximum data transferrate between two Bluetooth transceivers is slightly under 1 Mbits/sec.The data rate for a voice channel is 64 kbits/sec (GSM-13 kbits/sec). Asuitable RF transceiver for use with the Bluetooth standard can beformed relatively inexpensively as a single CMOS integrated chip. Assuch, the RF transceiver can be manufactured sufficiently small suchthat it can be readily incorporated into virtually all portableelectronic devices without adding appreciably to the size, cost, weightand power consumption of such devices. Additional information on theBluetooth standard can be obtained at URL address www.bluetooth.com.

Advantageously, the Bluetooth standard presently supports wirelesscommunications networks termed “piconets” of between two to eightdevices actively communicating with each other. Additional devices canbe “parked” and accessed as needed. Within a piconet, one of the devicesacts as the “master” device, which determines the frequency hoppingpattern, packet timing, and which coordinates transmissions to the other“slave” devices. The slave devices can also be members of more than onepiconet at a time, thus forming an ad hoc arrangement of multiplepiconets termed a “scatternet”. Thus, networked communication ofnotebook computers, PDAs, mobile phones, and other devices are providedfor with the Bluetooth standard.

The SWAP-CA specification is another wireless communications standardthat potentially could be employed by the RF transceivers 10 a and 10 b.The SWAP-CA specification also is intended to use integratedtransceivers on a 2.4 GHz frequency hopping scheme for wirelesscommunications between various products and appliances used in homes.With this standard, the data transfer rate for information is 2Mbits/sec.

Accordingly, while the Bluetooth or SWAP-CA specifications may bereferenced throughout the discussion of the various preferredembodiments, it should be understood that the claims appended heretoshould be not be limited to the use of one or the other of thesespecifications, or necessarily to any specific communicationsspecification.

In FIG. 1, one RF transceiver 10 a is integrated into a first electronicdevice 12 while the other RF transceiver 10 b is disposed within a motorvehicle 14. The electronic device 12 may comprise a notebook computer, ahand-held PDA, a cellular phone, a pager, or any other portableelectronic component. The first RF transceiver 10 a includes an antenna16 for enabling two way communications with the RF transceiver 10 a.Likewise, the second RF transceiver 10 b also includes its own antenna18 for enabling two way communications. The vehicle 14 typicallyincludes an audio system 20 and a display system 22. The display system22 may be mounted-in a dashboard or instrument panel, an overheadconsole, a floor mounted console, a visor, a rear view mirror or at awide variety of other locations inside the vehicle 14. The display 22may comprise a small cathode ray tube (“CRT”), a liquid crystal display(“LCD”) or various other forms of displays which are easily visible indaytime as well as nighttime driving conditions.

Each of the RF transceivers 10 a and 10 b are preferably formed asintegrated circuit components which have an extremely low powerconsumption relative to the device with which they are integrated.Accordingly, the RF transceivers 10 a and 10 b can be maintained in an“on” state even when the electronic device with which it is associatedis turned off. The RF transceivers 10 a and 10 b are further extremelycompact and relatively inexpensive such that the overall dimensions ofthe electronic device are not appreciably increased by the inclusion ofone of the transceivers 10 a or 10 b, and further such that the overallcost of the electronic device does not increase appreciably.

In FIG. 1, when the electronic device 12 comes into the vicinity of thevehicle 14, a high speed, automatic, wireless data link is createdbetween the two RF transceivers 10 a and 10 b. The required proximitywill vary depending upon the power output of each transceiver 10 a and10 b. For a 0 dBm (1 mW) power output, a transmission range of up toabout 10 meters is provided. Providing a suitable external amplifier toincrease the output power of each RF transceiver 10 a or 10 b to amaximum of 20 dBm will increase the transmission range up to about 100meters. It will be appreciated, however, that with even greater poweramplifiers an even greater transmission range can be expected.Currently, the Bluetooth standard identifies a 20 dBm maximum poweroutput.

Once the wireless communications link is established between the two RFtransceivers 10 a and 10 b, information from the electronic device 12can be transmitted to transceiver 10 b and then output to the vehicle'saudio system 20 and/or to the display system 22. Thus, the user is notrequired to type in or otherwise give any commands to the electronicdevice 12 before the wireless communications link is established. Onceestablished, the communications link enables information from theelectronic device 12 to be automatically transmitted via RF transceiver10 a to the receiving RF transceiver 10 b. In this manner, a widevariety of useful information such as personal calendars, e-mailmessages, telephone directories, and virtually any other form of textinformation can be displayed on the vehicle's display system 22. If anexternal “text-to-speech” module is incorporated for operation with thesecond RF transceiver 10 b, then text information can be converted intoaudio before being transmitted to the vehicle's audio system 20 forplayback. Thus, if the electronic device 12 comprises a notebookcomputer with a CD player, any information available on the CD canpotentially be converted to speech via the external text-to-speechmodule and the vehicle's audio system 20. Thus, a wide variety ofCD-based or Internet-based audio material such as books, educationalmaterials, etc. could be played over the vehicle's audio system 20 whilethe user is in the vehicle 14.

Referring to FIG. 2, another implementation of a wireless communicationssystem 10 is shown. This implementation is used to facilitate performingdiagnostics on a motor vehicle 14 via the electronic device 12. In thisexample, the electronic device may comprise a notebook computer or otherelectronic instrument loaded with diagnostic software specificallysuited to the vehicle being tested. The first RF transceiver 10 a isintegrated into the electronic device 12 and the second RF transceiver10 b is integrated for communications with a vehicle interface system24. The vehicle interface system 24 is in turn coupled for two waycommunications via a data bus 26 with various electronic subsystems ofthe vehicle 14 such as the vehicle's Electronic Control Module (ECM) 28,a fuel sensor 30, an exhaust sensor 32, a wheel speed sensor 34 orvirtually any other form of sensor which provides an electronic outputsignal related to its operation. Other nonexclusive examples of thetypes of sensors that may provide an electronic output signal includeoxygen sensors, fluid temperature sensors (e.g., engine coolant, fuel,oil), exhaust and emission sensors, oil pressure sensors, transmissionsensors, engine timing sensors, or any other type of sensor that mayprovide signals to an on-board diagnostic module (e.g., OBD II, etc.) orother vehicle system. Further, any of a variety of conditions of thevehicle electronic subsystems may be monitored by such sensors (e.g.,high voltage, low voltage, temperature, pressure, malfunctions, and avariety of others), and signals representative of any of the variety offunctions and operations may be output by the sensors.

The wireless data link may be created automatically as soon as thevehicle 14 enters a service bay or other designated service area. Thefirst RF transceiver 10 a automatically begins transmitting diagnosticsinformation stored in an associated memory (not shown) to the second RFtransceiver 10 b to begin the diagnostics testing. Information istransmitted back to the first transceiver 10 a by the second transceiver10 b as information is received from the vehicle interface 24 from eachof the sensors/components 28-34 under test. This information is thenused by service personnel to determine the operational status of each ofthe sensors/components 28-34 on-board the vehicle 14. While theelectronic device 12 has been described as a notebook computer, it willalso be appreciated that the device 12 could just as readily comprise apersonal computer or other form of computer adapted to run thediagnostics software.

It will be appreciated that the automatic wireless communications linkenables various diagnostics to be performed on a motor vehicle evenwhile other operations, for example, an oil change, are being performedsimultaneously with the running of the diagnostics. This implementationcan significantly reduce the manpower required to perform variousservice-related operations on a motor vehicle as well as decrease thelength of time needed to perform a full service checkup/tune-up on avehicle when the vehicle is brought in for routine maintenance such asoil changes, wheel alignments, air and fuel filter changes, wheelbalancing, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an implementation of the wirelesscommunications system 10 is shown being used in the assembly process ofa motor vehicle. In this implementation, the first RF transceiver 10 aof the system 10 is integrated with an assembly line computer/monitoringsystem 36. Each one of a plurality of vehicles 14 ₁-14 _(n), travelingon assembly line conveyor 38 includes a module 40 having the second RFtransceiver 10 b integrated therewith. The module 40 can be programmedto include information regarding the specific options that itsassociated vehicle 14 is to include. Such options could comprise thetype of interior, audio system options, interior trim package,powertrain options or any other equipment that will be needed tocomplete the manufacture of that particular vehicle 14.

As each vehicle 14 ₁-14 _(n), moves along the assembly line conveyor 38into proximity with the computer/monitoring system 36, an automaticwireless communications link is established between each RF transceiver10 b, one at a time, and the RF transceiver 10 a of the computermonitoring system 36. Information regarding the options that eachparticular vehicle 14 ₁-14 _(n), is then transmitted via the wirelesscommunications link to the computer/monitoring system 36, which in turnis transmitted over a communications link 42 to an inventory managementcomputer 44. It will be appreciated that the communications link 42could be a wire-based link or could even be formed by an additional pairof RF transceivers to form a second wireless link. The only limitationhere would be the distance to the inventory computer system 44 from theassembly/monitoring computer system 36.

The above-described implementation enables the wireless communicationssystem 10 to thus be used to synchronize the supply of needed equipmentand materials to each vehicle 14 ₁-14 _(n) moving on the assembly lineconveyor 38 to ensure that exactly the proper equipment is provided foreach vehicle.

It will also be appreciated that the implementations described inconnection with FIGS. 2 and 3 could be combined to enable variouselectronic modules and subsystems of the vehicle to be testedimmediately as the vehicle moves along the assembly line conveyor 38.This feature would enable a vehicle diagnostics computer locatedadjacent to the assembly line conveyor 38 to run tests on the vehicle'smodules and electronic subsystems to detect defective components beforethe vehicle proceeds to the next step of the assembly process. Thisfeature would save the significant costs associated with manuallyremoving various electronic modules and components from the vehicle fortesting and repair when a defective component is detected after assemblyof the vehicle is complete.

Referring now to FIG. 4, yet another implementation of the wirelesscommunications system 10 is illustrated. This implementation is inconnection with a retail transaction in which a drive-through menu board46 has a first RF transceiver 10 a of the wireless communications system10, in addition to a secure transaction RF transceiver 48, integratedtherewith. The vehicle includes the second RF transceiver 10 b inaddition to a secure transaction transceiver 50. As the vehicle 14approaches the drive-through menu board 46, the RF transceivers 10 a and10 b automatically establish a high-speed wireless communications link.A secure datalink is established between transceivers 48 and 50 by whichelectronic payment can be authorized by the driver of the vehicle 14.Menu information is then automatically downloaded over the high-speedcommunications link between the RF transceivers 10 a and 10 b onto asystem control device 50. The system control device 50 acts as aninterface to transmit the information to the vehicle's display system 22and/or the vehicle's audio system 20 for playback. If a suitablemicrophone 58 is provided in the vehicle 14, authorization for thetransaction may be provided verbally by the driver and transmitted viathe communications link between the secure transaction transceivers 48and 50 back to the drive-through menu board 46.

It will be appreciated that the above-described implementation could bemodified to enable drive-through banking transactions, drive-throughprescription ordering-or a wide variety of other retail transactionsmade from within a vehicle without the need for the driver to leave thevehicle 14 to effect the transaction. Other applications could includetoll collecting, fuel purchases at service stations and othertransactions that could potentially be made more conveniently and morequickly by the use of the wireless communications system 10.

Referring to FIG. 5, an implementation involving a programmable key fob60 is illustrated for setting and adjusting various components of thevehicle 14. The key fob 60 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 5A andincludes the first RF transceiver 10 a of the wireless communicationssystem 10, the antenna 16, a suitable battery 62 for providing power anda suitable memory 64. The second RF transceiver 10 b of the system 10 isintegrated into the vehicle electronics to communicate with the vehiclebus interface 24 via the vehicle bus 26, and further with variousmodules 66-72 for controlling various components of the vehicle 14.

As the user approaches the vehicle 14 when carrying the key fob 60, ahigh speed, wireless communications link is automatically establishedbetween the two RF transceivers 10 a and 10 b. Information stored in thememory 64 of the key fob 60 is then transmitted to the secondtransceiver 10 b and used to control various modules of the vehicle 14in accordance with preprogrammed settings by the user. Thus, informationrelating to the precise position of a power seat, volume and channelinformation of the radio 72, climate control information for the HVAC70, rearview mirror or external mirror position information, etc., canall be stored in the memory 64 and automatically transmitted to thevehicle 14 as the user approaches the vehicle. The seats of the vehicle14, climate control settings, radio channel and volume settings, mirrorpositions, etc. can all be automatically adjusted by suitable vehicleelectronics even before the user enters the vehicle 14.

Referring to FIG. 6, another implementation of the wirelesscommunications system 10 using the programmable key fob 60 isillustrated. In this implementation the key fob 60 is used tointerrogate a PC 74 at the user's place of business. Selected filesstored on the hard drive or in random access memory (RAM) of the PC 74can be transmitted via a wireless communications link establishedbetween the RF transceiver 10 a of the key fob 60 and the second RFtransceiver 10 b, which is integrated with the work PC 74. Theinformation is stored in the memory of the key fob 60 before the userleaves his/her place of business.

Referring to FIG. 7, as the user arrives at his/her home, a home PC 76is automatically linked with the key fob 60 by the RF transceiver 10 aof the key fob 60 and a second RF transceiver 10 b integrated with thehome PC 76. The automatically created wireless communications link isused to transmit information stored in the memory 64 (FIG. 5 a) of thekey fob 60 to the individual's home PC 76.

Referring now to FIG. 8, yet another implementation of a wirelesscommunications system 10 is shown in which a cellular phone 78 is linkedwith a proprietary speech recording/playback system 80 availablecommercially from the assignee of the present application and marketedunder the trademark “Travelnote®”. The Travelnote® system enables thedriver or other vehicle occupant to speak directly into a microphone 82to record any notes or other information which the user would otherwisewrite down on paper, but which cannot be accomplished easily whiledriving the vehicle 14. The notes or other information can be playedback from the Travelnote® recording/playback system 80 over a speaker 84once the user reaches his/her destination and prior to exiting thevehicle 14. The Travelnote® recording/playback system 80 is described indetail in 5,810,420, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference.

In this implementation, the RF transceiver 10 a is integrated with thecellular phone 78 and the second RF transceiver 10 b is integrated withthe Travelnote® recording/playback system 80. The Travelnote®recording/playback system 80 may be located within a visor or rear viewmirror 86. Alternatively, it may be located on the dashboard, overheadconsole, or any other convenient location within the vehicle 14. Thewireless communications system 10 provides a high-speed, wirelesscommunications link between the cellular phone 78 and the Travelnote®recording/playback system 80 to enable “hands free” use of the cellularphone 78. Thus, the user need not hold the cellular phone 78 in one handwhile driving; the phone 78 can be placed on a console or seat 82adjacent to the user while the user carries on a hands-free conversationvia the microphone 82 and speaker 84 of the Travelnote®playback/recording system 80.

A further advantage is that the wireless communications link between theRF transceivers 10 a and 10 b is created automatically when the cellularphone 78 comes into proximity with the second RF transceiver 10 b withinthe vehicle 14. Thus, the user need only dial a number from the cellularphone 78 to place a call and the conversation thereafter can beconducted via the Travelnote® system 80. Alternatively, a call couldeven be placed via commands and numbers spoken into the microphone 82and transmitted via the wireless communications link to the cellularphone 78. Useful information received by the cellular phone 78 couldeven be displayed on a small portion of a rearview mirror. Suchinformation could include auxiliary phone annunciators, a “low battery”warning indicating a low battery power condition for the cellular phone78 or other incoming call information received via the phone 78.

A modification of this implementation involves modifying theabove-described Travelnote® system to send and/or receive digitalinformation such that the Travelnote® system can be used to pass digitalinformation to and from a computing device 79 such as a hand-heldcomputing device or a laptop computer. With this capability, theTravelnote® system could be used to transmit information received by afacsimile transmission or email communications to the computing device.This digital information would be first received by the user's cellularphone 78. Preferably, an infrared communications link 79 a is alsoestablished by suitable hardware between the cellular phone 78 and thecomputing device 79. The infrared link is used to transmit digitalinformation between the computing device 79 and the cellular phone 78.Preferably, an infrared link 79 b is also established between theTravelnote® system and the computing device 79 so that digitalinformation can just as easily be transmitted directly between thecomputing device 79 and the Travelnote® system. Messages sent to theTravelnote® system could be stored therein for future downloading toanother computer. The computing device 79 could also send stored phonenumbers stored to the Travelnote® system to simplify the dialing ofphone numbers.

As will be appreciated, other implementations of the various exemplaryembodiments could be made in connection with a home and/or vehicle. Forexample, RF transceiver 10 a could be disposed in a cellular phone whileRF transceiver 10 b is disposed in a Homelink® system which isproprietary to the assignee of the present application. The Homelink®system can be programmed to interface with, for example, a garage dooropener to open the garage door when a control unit of the Homelink®system is actuated by a user. By incorporating RF transceiver 10 b intothe Homelink® system, the user could enter a predetermined code in thecellular phone which is received by the Homelink® system and whichcauses the Homelink® system to open the garage door. In this manner, ifan individual was not in his/her car or vehicle as he/she approachedtheir house, the garage door could still be easily opened without theuser having the garage door opener unit.

In another implementation, one or more RF transceivers 10 a are used inconnection with various devices in a home. A second RF transceiver 10 bis placed in a garage. The second transducer 10 b serves as a portalfrom the user's car to those devices in the home that are equipped withRF transceivers 10 a. The garage-based RF transceiver 10 b is able tointerface and interact with those devices incorporating a RF transceiver10 a, such as a home PC, appliances, etc.

In still another implementation, one RF transceiver 10 a could belocated within a vehicle while a second RF transceiver 10 b could beassociated with a computer located either at a vehicle dealership or ata home. When a vehicle is manufactured, all parts could be tagged in theplant so it is known which specific parts are installed on the vehicle.This information could be stored in a database stored in a memory devicein the car. In addition, warranty information for those parts, as wellas for the car as a whole, could be stored in this database.

When the vehicle is in proximity to the first RF transceiver 10 a whilethe vehicle is being serviced at a dealership, service personnel couldeasily access information stored in the memory device via the wirelesslink between RF transceivers 10 a and 10 b. This would provide immediateaccess to information on the various components of the vehicle, as wellas warranty information.

In yet another implementation similar to that described immediatelyabove, only the Vehicle Identification Number (“VIN”) is delivered tothe computer from the RF transceiver 10 b located in the vehicle. TheVIN is then used by the computer to access a database which is remotefrom the vehicle to obtain warranty and part information. It will beappreciated that this information could also be accessed through a website of the manufacturer of the vehicle.

In still another variation of the above-described implementation, if acellular telephone is located in the vehicle, and the telephone isequipped with an RF transceiver 10 b, then any vehicle malfunctionscould be reported to the vehicle manufacturer or dealer via a wirelesslink established between the computer and the cellular phone. Thisinformation can be used to facilitate repair of the vehicle or thetracking of warranty information pertaining to the vehicle.

The computer could also be used to personalize the vehicle operation.For example, the vehicle owner could access a manufacturer's website toselect the desired operating parameters for the vehicle. Theseparameters could include selecting a 12 hour or 24 hour clock timedisplay, establishing station pre-selects for the vehicle radiooperation, selecting parameters related to the operation of the vehiclelights, enabling voice interactive messages generated by the vehicle, ora variety of other vehicle operating parameters. Once the operatingparameters are selected by the vehicle owner, the website could causethe owner's home computer (which is equipped with RF transceiver 10 a)to generate an RF signal that is sensed by the vehicle causing theparameters to be stored in a memory device in the vehicle.Alternatively, a compact disc could be provided to the vehicle ownerupon purchase of the vehicle, which can be used with the individual'shome computer to personalize the vehicle's functions. This informationcan then be transferred from the home computer to the vehicle via awireless link between the two RF transceivers 10 a and 10 b.

Referring to FIG. 9, another implementation of the wirelesscommunications system 10 is shown in which the system 10 includes thefirst RF transceiver 10 a in communication with a user interface circuit88. The user interface circuit 88 is in turn linked for communicationvia a suitable bus 90 with a display system 22 and/or an audio system 20of the vehicle 14. The second RF transceiver 10 b is integrated with ahome PC 92. The home PC 92 is linked to the Internet.

The user uses the home PC 92 to retrieve information from the Internet(e.g., audio books, news, weather, music, etc.) at a convenient time.Once this information is received by the home PC 92 it is transmittedvia the high-speed wireless communications link between the two RFtransceivers 10 a and 10 b automatically. For this to occur, it will beappreciated that the vehicle 14 will need to be parked in the proximatevicinity of the home PC 92 (i.e., within about 100 meters of the home PC92). In this regard it will also be appreciated that a suitable amountof random access memory (RAM) is provided in association with thedisplay 22 and/or the vehicle audio system 20 for storing theinformation. The user can then display or play back the informationwhile traveling in the vehicle 14 at the user's convenience. If the datais audio data, then it is played back through the vehicle audio system20. Even text information which is received may be converted to audioinformation if a suitable text-to-speech conversion circuit is provided.The information stored could comprise traffic information, dailycalendar reminders, appointments or events, e-mail messages, etc., inaddition to the book, news, weather and music information mentionedabove.

Referring to FIG. 10, the wireless communications system 10 can also beused to enable information relating to various “points of interest”along a route being traveled by the user. This information could also be“personalized” information for the user from an Internet-basedinformation service.

In this implementation, a cellular phone 98 is used by the user to makea connection with a wireless service organization 96. The cellular phone98 includes the first RF transceiver 10 a while the vehicle 14 includesthe second RF transceiver 10 b. A Global Positioning System (“GPS”)device 100 on-board the vehicle 14 can be used to transmit,latitude/longitude information to the cellular phone 98 over thewireless communications link established between the two RF transceivers10 a and 10 b. The cellular phone 98 in turn can be used to link thisinformation back to the wireless service organization 96. The wirelessservice organization 96 then transmits information on various points ofinterest near the vehicle's latitude and longitude coordinates back tothe cellular phone 98, which in turn transmits this information via awireless, high speed data link from its RF transceiver 10 a to the RFtransceiver 10 b. The information is then displayed on the vehicle'sdisplay 22 and/or played over the vehicle's audio system 20. The pointof interest information can include a wide variety of useful informationsuch as restaurants, shopping, service stations, hospitals and otherestablishments in the vicinity of the vehicle. The information could bedisplayed in a menu format in which the user is able to selectestablishments and is provided with directions on the display system 22to each establishment selected. Additional information concerningtraffic conditions, road construction, etc., could also be provided.

Referring to FIG. 11, another implementation of the wirelesscommunications system 10 is illustrated where “Push” technology is usedto download information from the Internet automatically to the usertraveling in the vehicle 14. A cellular phone 98 having the first RFtransceiver 10 a of the wireless communications system 10 establishes anautomatic, high-speed wireless communications link with the second RFtransceiver 10 b located in the vehicle 14. The transceiver 10 b is incommunication with the vehicle's display system 22 and/or the vehicle'saudio system 20.

The wireless service organization 96 is linked to the Internet and tothe cellular phone 98. The user can use his/her home PC 92 (oralternatively a business PC) to create a “personalized” website throughone of the presently available Internet-based news/search companies sothat various personalized information such as selected financialinformation (i.e., stock price information), world or local news,traffic information along a specified route of travel, phone directoryor personal calendar information, weather information, e-mail, etc., canbe downloaded by the wireless service organization 96 and provided tothe cellular phone 98. The RF transceivers 10 a and 10 b can then beused to transmit the information to the vehicle's display system 22 oraudio system 20.

Referring to FIG. 12, a variation of the implementation shown in FIG. 11is illustrated in which existing Push technology is used to downloadpersonalized information from an Internet based information service to asuitable electronic system located at or closely adjacent to a gasolinepump 100, or at a kiosk including the gasoline pump 100, when the usersvehicle 14 comes within the vicinity of the gasoline pump 100. In thisimplementation, the gasoline pump 100 includes the electronic device 12which includes the RF transceiver 10 b, and the vehicle 14 includes theRF transceiver 10 a. The RF transceiver 10 a is in communication withthe vehicle's display 22 and/or audio system 20. When the vehicle 14comes into reasonably close proximity (e.g., within 10 meters of thegasoline pump 100), the RF transceiver 10 a automatically establishes ahigh speed, wireless communications link with the RF transceiver 10 b ofthe electronic device 12. The RF transceiver 10 a transmits appropriateidentifying information to the RF transceiver 10 b via the automaticallyestablished wireless communications link. This information is thenlinked to the Internet-based information service. Information is thentransmitted back to the electronic system 12 associated with thegasoline pump 100. The information is then transmitted over the wirelesscommunications link to the RF transceiver 10 a located in the vehicle14. It will be appreciated that this personalized information could alsobe obtained from the Internet by establishing wireless communicationslinks with electronic devices located on road signs, freeway overpasses,at traffic lights and other points along a road or highway.

Referring to FIG. 13, another implementation somewhat similar to thatdescribed in connection with FIG. 12 is provided. The implementation ofFIG. 13 enables a wireless communications system 10 to provide a subsetof map information needed for assisting a user of the vehicle 14 intraveling to a designated destination. In this implementation one RFtransceiver 10 a is located in the vehicle 14 and the other RFtransceiver 10 b is integrated with a PC 92, which may be located at theuser's home or place of business. The user 14 can enter a command fromeither the PC 92 or from a suitable keyboard or control panel within thevehicle 14, or even from a cellular phone carried within the vehicle 14and linked by two RF transceivers, requesting directions for travelingto a particular destination. This request is transmitted to anInternet-based information organization where it is thereafterdownloaded onto the PC 92. The information is then transmitted via thehigh-speed wireless communications link created by the RF transceivers10 a and 10 b back to the vehicle 14 where it may be displayed on thevehicle's display 22 or possibly played on the vehicle's audio system20. Since only a limited amount of information pertaining to thespecific directions requested is transmitted back to the vehicle 14,this significantly reduces the amount of memory required to be locatedon-board the vehicle 14. It will be appreciated that this mapinformation could just as easily be provided by linking to an electronicsubsystem associated with the gasoline pump 100 (FIG. 12) or at someother location if the user becomes lost and suddenly requires directionsto a different destination.

Referring now to FIG. 14, another implementation of the wirelesscommunications system 10 is provided in which information from abusiness or a company is “pushed” into a company vehicle 14 from acorporate message center or corporate PC 102. The information from thecorporate message center or PC 102 is transmitted via the Internet tothe wireless service organization 96. A communications link isestablished between the wireless service organization 96 and the user'scellular phone 98. The cellular phone 98 includes one RF transceiver andthe vehicle 104 includes the second RF transceiver 10 b. Again, the RFtransceiver 10 b is in communication with the vehicle's display 22and/or the vehicle's audio system 20. Important business informationreceived by the cellphone 98 can then be downloaded via the wirelesscommunications link created by the RF transceivers 10 a and 10 b to theuser to apprise the user of important corporate news, events, schedulingor other information which needs to transmitted to the user on a timelybasis. Again, this information could be relayed through suitableelectronic relaying devices provided at gasoline pumps or at otherpoints such as intersections, freeway overpasses, etc. that the vehicle14 is expected to pass in proximity to during use.

It will be appreciated that an extremely large variety of usefulimplementations of the wireless communications system may be created.While the Bluetooth communications standard or the SWAP-CA standard maybe used with the RF transceivers 10 a and 10 b, it will be appreciatedthat other communications specifications may also be employed.Additionally, while many of the implementations described herein havemade use of a motor vehicle, it will be appreciated that the RFtransceivers 10 a and 10 b could just as easily be used to effecthigh-speed wireless communications links between virtually any twoelectronic devices which come into proximity with one another, and whereit would be useful to transfer information from one device to the other.

Those skilled in the art can now appreciate from the foregoingdescription that the broad teachings of the present disclosure can beimplemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while this invention hasbeen described in connection with particular examples thereof, the truescope of the claims appended hereto should not be so limited since othermodifications will become apparent to the skilled practitioner upon astudy of the drawings and the present specification.

1. A system for communicating information comprising: a transceiverprovided within a vehicle and configured for wireless communication witha cellular phone and with a portable computing device; wherein thewireless communication between the transceiver and the cellular phoneutilizes a Bluetooth communications protocol.
 2. The system of claim 1,wherein the transceiver is coupled to at least a portion of a vehicle.3. The system of claim 1, wherein information is communicated from thecellular phone to the transceiver and the transceiver communicates atleast a portion of the information to the portable computing device. 4.The system of claim 3, wherein the information comprises at least one ofa facsimile transmission and an electronic mail message.
 5. The systemof claim 1, wherein information is transmitted from the computing deviceto the transceiver.
 6. The system of claim 5, at least a portion of theinformation is transmitted from the transceiver to the cellular phone.7. The system of claim 5, wherein the information comprises a phonenumber.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the wireless communicationbetween the transceiver and the portable computing device utilizes aBluetooth communications protocol.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein thewireless communication between the transceiver and the portablecomputing device utilizes an infrared communications link.
 10. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the portable computing device is a laptopcomputer.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the portable computingdevice is a hand-held computing device.
 12. The system of claim 1,wherein a communications link is automatically established when thecellular phone comes within a predetermined distance of the transceiver.13. The system of claim 1, further comprising a microphone coupled tothe transceiver, wherein sounds input at the microphone may betransmitted from the transceiver to the cellular phone.
 14. The systemof claim 1, wherein the transceiver is a trainable transceiver.
 15. Awireless communications system for use in a vehicle comprising: atransceiver provided within a vehicle; a cellular phone in wirelesscommunication with the transceiver, the wireless communication utilizinga Bluetooth communications protocol; and a computing device in wirelesscommunication with the transceiver; wherein information received by thecellular phone is communicated to the transceiver and at least a portionof the information is communicated from the transceiver to the computingdevice.
 16. The communications system of claim 15, wherein the computingdevice is at least one of a laptop computer and a hand-held computingdevice.
 17. The communications system of claim 15, wherein theinformation is selected from a facsimile transmission and an electronicmail message.
 18. The communications system of claim 15, wherein thecomputing device communicates with the transceiver using a Bluetoothcommunications protocol.
 19. The communications system of claim 15,wherein the computing device communicates with the transceiver using aninfrared communications link.
 20. The communications system of claim 15,wherein the transceiver is a trainable transceiver configured tointerface with a garage door opener system.
 21. A communications systemfor a vehicle, the communications system comprising: means for receivingsignals transmitted by a cellular phone, the signals being transmittedin accordance with a Bluetooth communications standard and includinginformation; and means for transmitting signals wirelessly to acomputing device; wherein the signals transmitted to the computingdevice include at least a portion of the information; and wherein atleast one of the means for receiving signals and the means fortransmitting signals are provided within a vehicle.
 22. Thecommunications system of claim 21, wherein the means for receivingsignals and the means for transmitting signals are included in atransceiver coupled to a vehicle.
 23. The communications system of claim21, wherein the means for transmitting signals communicates with thecomputing device using a Bluetooth communications protocol.
 24. Thecommunications system of claim 21, wherein the means for transmittingsignals communicates with the computing device using an infraredcommunications link.
 25. The communications system of claim 21, whereinthe information comprises at least one of a facsimile transmission andan electronic mail message.
 26. The communications system of claim 21,further comprising means for receiving information from the computingdevice and means for transmitting at least a portion of the informationreceived from the computing device to the cellular phone.
 27. Thecommunications system of claim 26, wherein the computing device is oneof a laptop computer and a hand-held computing device.
 28. A method oftransferring information to a computing device comprising: receivinginformation at a transceiver provided in a vehicle, the informationtransmitted from a cellular phone using a Bluetooth communicationsprotocol; and communicating at least a portion of the information fromthe transceiver to the computing device using a wireless communicationslink.
 29. The method of claim 28, wherein the step of receivinginformation at the transceiver comprises receiving at least one of afacsimile transmission and an electronic mail message.
 30. The method ofclaim 28, wherein the computing device is at least one of a laptopcomputer and a hand-held computing device.
 31. The method of claim 28,wherein the wireless communications link is an infrared communicationslink.
 32. The method of claim 28, wherein the wireless communicationslink utilizes a Bluetooth communications protocol.
 33. The method ofclaim 28, wherein the transceiver is a trainable transceiver that isalso configured to transmit signals to at least one of a garage dooropener system and a home security system.